mobility

The absorption of medication through the subcutaneous tissue is much slower than other routes as there is not a rich blood supply in the area.

RN will follow the specific instructions for the different types of medications and devices as per the below.

Procedure

All Injections will be administered according to legislation and mobility procedures. RN will follow mobility infection control policy and procedure throughout the entire work instruction.

1. Check the medication order.
2. Assess for any contraindications to client receiving medications
3. Perform the 7 rights of medication administration:
   1. Patient Identification – Name and DOB
   2. Drug/indication
   3. Dose including correct calculation
   4. Route
   5. Time
   6. Documentation
   7. Right to refuse
4. Also check:
   1. If any allergies
   2. Note medication start and finish dates on the medication chart
   3. Doctors signature is present
   4. When the last dose was administered
   5. Packing is in date and is intact
5. Prepare meds
6. Wash hands
7. Take medications/Medication Chart to Client
8. Check each medication against Medication Chart to make sure the right medication and dose is available
9. Check medication expiration date
10. Tell Client name, dose, indication as appropriate
11. Prepare syringe for injection
12. Don gloves
13. Select the most appropriate site for the injection, see Fig.2 below. If possible, also ask the client which site is their preference, ensuring the site is alternated regularly if possible. Check the site for signs of swelling, infection, or skin lesions. If any of these are present, select a different site.

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

14. Explain the procedure to the consumer and seek their consent to provide the injection.
15. Ensure the clients privacy.
16. Clean skin appropriately with alcohol wipe
17. Gently grasp the skin to lift the tissue away from the underlying muscle see Fig. 3
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
18. Inject at a 45-to-90-degree angle
19. Release tissue/removes needle/wipes w alcohol as indicated/safely disposes needle and syringe safely
20. Remove gloves and wash hands
21. Document according to policy and procedure

Medication Incidents

• In the event of suspect poisoning due to a medication error the RN must contact the Poisons information line (13 11 26) for advice.
• For all medication errors, you must ensure the consumers health needs are addressed in the first instance by providing first aid if applicable and you must advise the consumer and ask whether experiencing any ill effects.
• If the client is extremely unwell, organise review by a GP or call 000.
• Contact the office on (1300 438 227), email us on agedcare@mobility.com.au, or access instant messaging help – to report and receive advice on best action.
• Record the incident as per the workplace Incident Work Instruction in the app and record your actions in the journal notes.

In the event of a medication error:

• The Consumer’s GP is to be advised by the Care Manager or the consumers nominee/ Authorized Representative.
• Care Manager are to notify the Nominee/ Authorized Representative
• All medication incidents must be investigated by the Clinical and Risk Specialist (CRS) or Carelynx RN as a priority within one working day or the next working day if occurring over the weekend or Public Holiday.
• The CRS is to be advised of all medication incidents and concerns.
• The CRS among other things will determine if any external authority reporting is required and progress as necessary.